User Reviews

Reviews by biergut:

4.65/5 rDev +8.9%

I have travelled to Austin a number of times for work and did not know about this place. I had always gone to Whole Foods or Central Market to take beer back to the hotel room. Something on the web clued me in to this place so I had to check it out on my current trip.

I have one word for this place: WHOA! The selection here is outstanding. I have not seen this kind of selection anywhere else in Texas, even Mr Gs in Dallas (Plano). Other BAers have mentioned empty shelf space and there was some of that, but not very much at all. Perhaps GVM has read these reviews and stepped up. There were quite a few Christmas/Winter/Holiday brews to choose from, most of which are refrigerated. And I was pleasantly surprised that when I broke a six-pack I didn't get any grief for it.

I did notice that there was a large wine and liquor selection, but I'm all about the beer and didn't venture in to those areas.

I am actually moving to Austin at the beginning of next year and this will be my number one place for buying beer.

More User Reviews:

3.7/5 rDev -13.3%

57 livin' yall. this store is less than a block from my house so i have been frequenting it for some time. selection is a little less than specs right up the freeway but almost always has a few offerings that no one else has. plus the chance to make your own sixer is always a plus, and i dont think i have seen a more diverse selection of 12 ouncers anywhere else.good prices on the 750's and 22's. pretty small deli but a huge wine area as well. good beers at great prices is really all that needs to be said. got a 2005 jasperilla a few weeks ago as well as a few others that had been sittin in the back for some time.

So I am in Austin for my best friend's bachelor party. These are not really beer people. I missed my shot as most of Austin's good beer spots but I did get them to go here. Very nice selection that had a decent focus on locals. Got a 2007 and 2008 Sisyphus. Quite a bit of Saint Arnold though none of the devine series. The prices were really good compared to the beers we could get in NY. The wine people were happy and the liquor people were as well. 18 for a handle of Tito's vodka. I know it is made in Austin but that is really cheap. The price on Stone beers was dirt cheap. The only bad thing I would say about this place is that the local stuff was priced way higher than anything else. I really don't know about texas beer laws but that kind of was a disappointment. By far the best beer store I saw in town.

I've made a point to get to Grape Vine at least every other weekend since first finding it in November. As a BA, grabbing a couple empty sixers and packing them with some of the many 12 oz. singles and bombers is like being a kid in candy store. I especially appreciate the imports and Belgians at Grape Vine--my HEB might carry Chimay, but I don't trust their handling of it, or its freshness. On most occasions I've been approached and asked if I needed any help, and one of the cashiers gave me a friendly warning about the Raison d'Extra I bought, so service has been good. The only improvement I'd ask for is pricing for more of the products. Price labels are spotty at best, which has led me to a few at-the-register surprises. All in all, however, I can't get enough of this place.

My first beer store visit since moving to Austin, and MAN, what a store it was. The beer selection is off to the left once you enter the store, and has two open-faced fridges on either side. The right side is mostly German imports, while the left side is American craft brews, both local, regional, and otherwise. Then there's a third open-air fridge at the end of the aisle, with lots of bombers of American craft and Belgian brews.

The selection is exceptional, and I was surprised to find Pike Brewing (from Seattle) all the way in Austin. I also picked up 1 of each of Boulevard's Smokestack series, some Bear Republic, Left Hand, and North Coast gems that I just couldn't find on the east coast. Prices were a bit on the steep side, but not exceptionally so. I ended up with a fairly massive haul (Twelve bombers and two 12 oz. singles) for around ~$100. The service was good, and although no one stopped by to ask if I needed help, it was New Year's Eve day, so it wasn't a big deal. There was also a greeter at the door directing people who needed it, so that was cool. Cashier was friendly and just the right amount of chatty.

Although I'm going to miss my local NC breweries (Duck Rabbit, Foothills, Asheville, Big Boss, etc.), I have a feeling I'm going to be a bit spoiled in Austin.

Dropped in late one evening, about 8:00. Huge store primarily dedicated to wine and fine foods. Beer is to the left and is still one of the larger beer areas I have seen in Texas. There were a few people milling around, but not packed. Two walls of coolers as well as a double sided cooler on the floor. Almost everything is refridgerated. Singles of almost every six pack lined the top shelf of the coolers and they had empty sixers for you to mix and match your own. Excellent domestic craft selection. Strong representation of the Texas craft scene with Southern Star, Saint Arnolds, Independence, Real Ale, and Rahr all represented. Also had Green Flash, Deschutes, Flyind Dog, Oskar Blues, Stone, Avery and many more. A nice import selection as well. Some of the standouts I remember are de Proef, Duchesse, Ayiner, Wheinstehpaner and many more. My only complaint would be with the service. Asked a guy at the checkout counter if they had Deschutes Inversion IPA. His response was a simple "was it on the shelf?" Only one guy so I am not going to hold it against the store. I have heard the beer guy there can be a real help.

I actually did not visit this place, but I want to make a very important point for out-of-towners: this place is closed on Sundays.

I just returned from a long but very busy weekend in Austin. And before leaving on the trip, i checked the internets to make sure beer is sold on Sundays in Texas. It is, after noon. As is wine. Liquor, however, cannot be sold at all on Sundays.

I didn't realize that this place doesn't just carry beer and wine, they also carry liquor, and thus they must be closed on Sundays. Thinking i would have plenty of time to leisurely shop for beer here on Sunday, i didn't rush to cram in a visit on Friday night or Saturday.

Needless to say, i was royally disappointed when i drove up Sunday afternoon to find them closed. Important info for anyone who doesn't live in Texas. Blue laws vary greatly from state to state and even county to county, and can be confusing.

UPDATE----
As of a few months ago the main beer guy no longer works at grapevine and the quality has gone downhill. The best place for a goto store is spec's. The only thing grapevine has going for them is you can still buy beers in singles. Spec's is quite cheaper and always has the newest stuff compared to grapevine now. The new beer peeps just do not seem as if they care as much anymore at the austin store.

As many people have already stated THIS IS the best place to buy beer in austin PERIOD! James the beer manager there prides himself on getting beer when it first comes in to texas before spec's and others here. THis place has a wide variety and the beer does not stay long on the shelves. A great turnover. The sandwhich/food they have here is great WOW!. If your in austin and want to find the latest thats available in Texas and this area especially you can not go wrong with grapevine.
They also do provide singles to buy so you can mix and match.
Say hi to BA member grapevinejames when your in the store.
They also have Original Trenton Crackers for wine/beer tastings. Only place i have been able to find them in austin.

I initially went to Central Market. They weren't too hip on me making my own 6 packs, and then I remembered someone on here mentioning how cool Grapvine Market was. So I headed out quickly, to north Austin.

Grapevine Market sets a little off the beaten path in a the corner of a strip mall. Not a big place, and has lots of wine, but don't let that fool ya', as there's a seriously good beer selection here.

I walked in and asked if I could make my own six pack, and a very nice lady pointed to a bin full of empty sixers and said have at it, so I went to town. Soon after that, another employee walked by and checked to make sure everything was ok, and asked if I needed anything.

After stocking up for a while, and considering the further damage I was going to the checking account (after a long weekend at record stores, Fun Fun Fun fest and Draughthouse) I decided to call it quits, but I couldn't find the Delerium brews. I asked a gentleman if they were available and he not only showed me the Tremens and Nocturnum (I had looked right over them twice), but pretty much gave me a detailed review of the Tremens.

Needless to say, I was impressed, as was my friend, who is a Miller Lite drinker, and who on the way out asked me about trying some of the interesting beers I had picked out, and where he should start with craft beer. A new convert in the making; another soul has been saved.

Excellent experience all around, and I would even say the prices from what I noticed, comparatively speaking, might be a little cheaper than what they are here in Oklahoma. I will definitely be stopping in here the next time I'm in Austin.

Stopped in here during my latest trip to Austin. Primarily a wine store, but there were several open-faced coolers with a nice selection of beer and a few racks of shelving with some additional items. Picked up some stuff from several breweries here including Stone, Dogfish Head, Avery, Great Divide, and Oscar Blues.

The staff was in the middle of restocking the section as well as talking with one of their sales reps, but they still spent the time to talk to me about their inventory and give a few helpful suggestions. One of their staff even helped me lug the boxes to the car while my wife was finishing checking out.

One of my favorite places in town to pick up beer. They have a really nice selection of singles for testing out new beers. They also just have an all around excellent selection of beer with several harder to find beers (especially in Texas) at pretty reasonable prices.

Most of the staff is focused on wine and liquor but there are several employees who know a lot about beer and can be very helpful in making selections. But in general all of the employees are extremely nice and try to help out. If you are in and run into James the beer buyer he is an awesome guy.

The Best place to buy beer in Austin, no doubt. They always have the latest beers out in front of the beer department so you can look over what the new stock is and load up. But don't, they usually have what you want in the fridge so get it out of the fridge.
GrapeVineJames usually posts the new stuff he gets in in the southwest forum. I've met him once -- he's a great guy. They have pretty much every good beer that is available in Austin. Sometimes it pays to look at other stores for beers that get sold out. Other BA's know about Grapevine market and the good stuff can go fast.
They also have an excellent deli department that you can get a great sandwich and eat it on premises.
The staff is helpful and friendly. They will usually ask you if you need help but won't be in your face if you just want to browse. Go there and say hi to me -- I'll probably be there.

This place specializes in wine in liquor but have a good selection of beer. They have 200+ beers. Most of the beers that they carry are sold as singles. All of the beers that are carried are broken out by country/region. They carry beers from Germany, UK, Ireland, Belgium Japan, Thailand and the US. This is store has a few locations and at least two in the Austin area. They carry Lagunitas, New Belgium, Anchor, Chimay, Fuller, Guinness, St. Arnold and so on. If have not been back to this location but have been to another location in the Austin area. They are worth a visit.

Hands down the best place in town to get beer. Competitive prices, and although not necessarily the absolute cheapest on all beers, they have the best singles selection by far for those looking to try different beers without having to buy 6 packs. Good, friendly service, and merchandise is turned over pretty well here and I've not had any problems buying old beer here.
James, the beer guy, is a friendly and helpful guy as well.
Tons of great liquor, wine, and specialty foods as well. Great place.

One word. Wow. Never seen a selection like this in the stores I frequent most. Lots of brews I haven't seen in awhile in Texas made me think it was Christmas morning. Though mainly a wine store, the brews were packed over in the corner in a neat manor, more beers in the fridges ready to go than sitting out, which was sort of a negative for me since I had to trek them back. But, the easily biggest plus for me was that they had a hefty stock of DFH 120. I've never seen this in a Texas store (I don't know any liquor stores in Dallas that have really good beers, point me there if so!) So I was very happy to see this. Prices were also noticeable different, being 4-5 bucks cheaper on the 750's and a buck or two on 4-6 packs. No bulk discounts because, I assume, everything is pretty low to start with. The manager was wondering around and seemed pretty helpful, though I missed the beer buyer when there. Overall, thinking if its in Texas, its here before there.

This is a very nice store with a very nice selection. I went there this afternoon and picked up a few sixers, a 750 or two and a bunch of singles. The selection is among the best in Austin. They appear to get all of the seasonals available in Texas. Everything is available in singles as well. Service is helpful and friendly; I had a pleasant chat with an employee about looking forward to Sierra Nevada Bigfoot being released each year.

I enjoy a good cheese with my beer, and there is a good cheese selection here as well.

I stopped by here on my way home from the homebrew shop. The store is tucked away in a corner alongside MoPac a block or so off of Anderson Road in a small strip center. Easy to get in and out of. There is a huge selection of craft beers, a slightly smaller selection of imports and a still smaller selection of big brewery brands. I met a couple of people who, like me, were mesmerized by the selection, and we stood comparing notes. It's a bit pricey, but the selection is well worth it, and that's what I expect in a liquor store.

This is the best place to buy beer I've found during several visits to Austin. I would characterize it as a very nice wine store that happens to carry a decent selection of craft beer. They have quite a bit of beer, and three quarters of it or so is refrigerated. This store carries more 12oz single bottles than I've seen other places, although it seemed like a lot of the shelf space was empty or a lot of items were out of stock during my visit. Also, a lot of the local stuff that I'd seen in 6-packs at Central Market weren't here...which was a shade disappointing.

The staff answered a question of mine regarding how long something had been sitting on a shelf well-enough, but they definitely seemed more interested in the wine clientele, even though there was no one really shopping the wine aisles at the time.

I thought the singles were a very good value; a lot of times when I purchase singles I find myself subject to a pretty severe mark-up and that didn't occur here.

As mentioned previously, GVM has the best beer selection in Austin. Their liquor is expensive, so it is best to go elsewhere for that. I don't know why there isn't a food rating for this establishment; if there were, I would give them a 5. Their lunch menu is phenomenal - they have some of the best sandwiches in town for a fantastic price.

The prices for beer are reasonable, especially considering their unparalleled selection. As BeerZack mentioned, the few brews they might be out of at GVM can be found at the Whip-In, but you will have to pay a dollar or two more for them. The fact that you can break six packs here is a nice option - who wants to buy an entire six pack of something they have never tried, especially when you can buy them as singles? The service is really awesome - the cashiers are really personable, and James the Beer Rep is a really great guy who knows a lot about beer and loves what he does.

Probably my favorite place in Austin to buy beer, I just wish it wasn't so out of the way for me. Hands down the best selection in Austin (maybe tied for 1st). If they don't have something here then its probably not available (or you have to go to WhipIN and over-pay).

The prices here are very average I'd say, I definately don't make the drive up for the price- especially since I usually buy mixed singles ($1-$2 per bottle mostly, but watch out for the damn Sam Smiths $3+)... and as every reviewer has mentioned, the ability to break any 6-pk on the shelf is the best part- sometimes I need to drink a beer I know I don't like just to make sure I still don't like it and this is the perfect place for that. The liquor looks pretty overpriced though, but I don't go for the liquor.

I can't really say anything bad about this place. For the past 7 years I have been a very loyal patron of Grapevine and not once have I ever left with a negative thought. I usually visit during the day around lunch time and at least once a month run into "the beer" guy and have some great conversations about what's in stock. He has taken notes and even called when something came in that I was requesting or asking about. Yeah the stock can get low sometimes but it's because so many people frequent this place.
The checkers aren't always A++ but don't judge them all that way. The food is wonderful also.
If you are looking for just about anything they will probably have it and the prices are right on par if not better than everyone else in town. And the fact I can get singles in almost everything is even better. Get here if you want beer....enough said.

Stopped in a couple of weekends back during a day trip to Austin. Overall the selection was great, but they were out of a few things when I was there. One of them was something I specifically went there to buy knowing I could not currently get it in Dallas, so that was a bit of a dissapointment.

While one of the guys stocking the shelves went out of his way to try and find something for me in the back, I will say the number of checkers on duty was not great. I think there were 2 people checking, with one guy....I dunno...supervising...and with 10 people in line it would have been nice to open another register to speed up the line. I had a similiar experience as another reviewer where my checker seemed to like to pack my beers in the box sideways, upside down & all around.

After recent trips to all of the Austin mainstays - Whip In, Central Market, Whole Foods, and Grapevine - Id have to say I was most impressed with Grapevine. I dont recall seeing anything at Grapevine that wasnt available elsewhere, but overall the prices seemed to be a bit cheaper at Grapevine, and I do like the way they have their beers divided up by country. In spite of the great beer selection, Grapevine Market started out as and is still largely focused on being a wine shop. They serve gourmet cheeses and other foods that go well with the grape, as well as serving lunches, the fare of which is also designed to go well with their wines. Nonetheless, Im sure anyone reading this review is interested primarily in what beer is to be obtained, and for that Ill give them a perfect 5.0, with the usual disclaimer that this may not be the best selection people from the Northeast or the Pacific Coast have ever seen, but if its available in Texas you can get it at Grapevine Market.

The Grapevine is a great beer location . The store is very nice, clean and full of beer and wine. I finally visited them last week and I will definitely return in the near future.

The service was good. I was greeted by everyone throughout the store and left alone while I was perusing the beer aisle (that is great for me).

The selection was very good. I think they have just about whatever is available in Texas. The #1 best thing about Grapevine to me is the fact that you can buy singles of any beer they stock. Their single prices are very reasonable, I paid $1.29 for some and the most I paid was $1.69 for a Rogue 12oz single.

The name says wine but the Grape Vine Market has a very nice selection of beer as well. If you stop in thinking this is a market in the traditional sense, you'll be disappointed...this is not a grocery store. It's all about the beverages here plus some food fit for fine dining and gatherings.

The beer section is all refrigerated with open coolers. The selection is very good, although very similar to the Dallas meccas of Central Market/Whole Foods/Mr. G's. If you need a comparison, I'd say Grape Vine is more like Central Market but not as impressive as Hall's. I noticed that Grape Vine sells singles as well as packs.